Michael Moore should love capitalism
Posted
Sep 30 2009, 01:17 PM
by
InvestorPlace
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This article was written by InvestorPlace's Jim Woods.
Filmmaker Michael Moore is at it again. The latest documentary from the corpulent director is titled, "Capitalism: A Love Story," and releases nationwide on Friday (see a movie clip and an interview in the video player below).
Based on his past hard-left screeds on the evils of the free-enterprise system ("Roger & Me" and "Sicko"), I think it's safe to assume that the main message of this film is that capitalism is bad and that its very existence is antithetical to the welfare of "regular people."
Bing: Michael Moore
Well Mr. Moore, let me tell you what free-market capitalism, in essence, really is. Capitalism is the production of goods and services that people need and want. Capitalism is one person or a group of persons creating a product or service via the efforts of their own minds, and creating that product or service in pursuit of profits.
Capitalism is the only system that allows people to pursue their own rational self-interest. And finally, capitalism is the most moral economic system, because it's the one system consonant with man's rational nature.
In the spirit of celebrating capitalism, I've selected three of my favorite capitalist jewels. These gems not only epitomize everything that is right with capitalism, they are also great stocks to buy now.
Capitalist Jewel #1 - Apple
One of the greatest corporate success stories ever is perhaps the quintessential "best-of-breed" technology company -- Apple (AAPL). Many have an almost cult-like following and near-religious commitment to anything Steve Jobs and company bring to market.
Why? Well, because Apple brings to market the technology goodies that people actually want. The company didn't force anyone to buy their stuff; they just made cool stuff that people are willing to pay top-dollar for. As a result of Apple's hard work, Steve Jobs and company have become very wealthy -- as have Apple shareholders. That's why Apple is a shining example of capitalism at its best, and why Apple is an excellent stock to buy now.
Capitalist Jewel #2 - Wal-Mart
There are those who accuse retail giant Wal-Mart (WMT) of being the ultimate mom-and-pop store predator. I consider Wal-Mart to be the ultimate empowerment tool for consumers. The retailer gives millions of people around the globe access to low price goods -- and by extension, creates wealth via the low-price savings dividend we all benefit from. Wal-Mart also provide millions of jobs for people around the globe.
I think Wal-Mart's real virtue lies in the fact that the company continues making solid profits. By selling people what they want, at the price they want -- and by making profits for their shareholders -- Wal-Mart has become of the most brilliant examples of capitalism the world has ever seen.
Capitalist Jewel #3 - McDonald's
Low cost, consistency, and let's face it, some darn good-tasting burgers, fries and shakes have made McDonald's (MCD) the most successful restaurant chain ever. McDonald's has more than 31,000 local restaurants, serving more than 58 million people in 118 countries each day.
More than 75% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local businesspeople, making this company the quintessential example of a worldwide franchise business success. When people want great fast food at a great price, they go to McDonald's. Because McDonald's gives consumers what they want at a price they want to pay, and because they make big profits doing so, I consider the company a precious jewel of capitalism.
Click here to see all five Hot Stocks That Prove Capitalism is Great.
Image credit: Prognosic, GNU free documentation license
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